It’s easy to argue about vaccinating kids in the hypothetical. But while doing some Christmas baking last week, I was enthralled by a radio segment on “This American Life,” about an outbreak of measles in San Diego that terrorized the community earlier this year. An unvaccinated 7-year-old boy traveled to Switzerland and unknowingly contracted the virus. Almost 100 children (including babies who were too young for the MMR vaccine) were quarantined or hospitalized after they were exposed at the pediatrician’s office, Whole Foods or day care. In all, 11 children caught the measles. As it turns out, the boy who spread measles is a patient of Dr. Bob Sears, pictured at left, a member of the famous San Clemente pediatrician family and author of “The Vaccine Book.” He’s featured briefly in the 20-minute segment. Have a listen and let us know what you think.

Courtney Perkes has covered the medical beat for the Register since 2005. She was queasy when she watched surgery for the first time (a knee replacement) especially when a drop of blood splattered in her notebook! She loves writing about public health issues as well as the courage and resilience of patients facing illness. Courtney strives to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes yoga and not microwaving plastic. She is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.